Van Gaal positive

With United already behind by two goals many would have thought van Gaal would have adopted a more attacking approach, granted the red devils created numerous chances on the night, but his insistence on playing Marouane Fellaini as well as making defensive substitutions left the United fans frustrated.

Van Gaal continued: “We have played like Liverpool did in the home match (at Anfield) against us. We have created a lot of chances in the first half, we scored a penalty. Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Fellaini and Martial all had chances.”

Next up City

The result means LVG is under great pressure going into United’s next match on Sunday against Manchester City, who the reds are battling for fourth place with.

The United boss has accepted that United must win that game at the Etihad stadium in order to salvage their season.

He said: “I hope City is the catalyst. We have to beat City and we have a chance to still qualify (for the Champions League). The expectations are high, and we can cope with that."

United fans will certainly be expecting an improved run under van Gaal, particuarly with an FA Cup quater final replay to come against West Ham United, which remains United's last shot at finishing the season with a trophy.